AMBIENCE

In keeping with its rich, princely and ‘roaring 20’s’ heritage, Veeraswamy has pulled out the stops on opulent and sumptuous interiors, offering a timeless aura of sophistication in which to enjoy fine Indian food in London’s first restaurant of its kind

Veeraswamy opened in 1926 in an era when many of the Maharaja Palaces in Northern India were celebrating an Indian art-nouveau idiom. Today, the restaurant continues to reflect the interiors of these palaces by housing grand statements such as silver-clad ceilings and handmade Venetian style chandeliers as well as resplendent furnishings such as glorious teak dining tables, and the hand-woven carpets; all of which have been expertly crafted in India. Evocative black and white photographs of the ruling elite of India from this era dress the walls along with fantastic humorous paintings from the Kalighat School of painters in Bengal.

The palatial and resplendent interiors are well suited to the restaurant’s excellent location in the West End, off Regent’s Street , one of London’s most iconic streets. Tables on the street side of the restaurant have remarkable raised views onto the quintessentially provocative London landmark, while romantic tables for two enjoy the quiet and quaint Swallow Street. All tables have a sprinkle of fresh scarlet rose petals along with very fine tableware and finery.

During the day, the room is flooded by natural light from the surround of windows. By night, the mood takes on a glamorous allure, with the profusion of multi-cultured glass ceiling lanterns from Jaipur emitting a soft light alongside the brilliance from the chandeliers.